Beer Review: Thomas Creek Banana Split Stout

By Devang Joshi
joshid@mytjnow.com

This complex brew is a unique blend of coffee and banana notes. Photo by Laura Falendysz - Special to The JohnsonianColder weather calls for a beefy beer, and when we are talking about beefy beers I think of stouts. A stout is a heavy beer, a brew that is filling and complex with a dark color and complex, bitter flavors (Guinness is an example of a stout). So my first beer review will be on the Thomas Creek Banana Split Stout. Thomas Creek is a wonderful South Carolina brewery, located in Greenville and the Banana Split Stout is a wonderful special brew they have released. 

A pint is rich and dark, with more of a caramel head compared to the “white” head of a Guinness. The nose is very much coffee like, but it by no means describes the taste. Your first sip will give you a surprising hint of carbonation, followed by the additional bitter coffee / chocolate tones. Taking another sip and holding it for just a moment and you get the banana, and it is GREAT. The complexity is surprising, and the hit of banana is followed with some mellow vanilla notes ending again in a nice mocha finish. As you continue through your pint you are rewarded with the subtle banana coming out, not only in taste but also in the nose that develops. 

This beer is definitely one you need to drink slowly, not only because of its alcohol presence (7.5% ABV), but because it is easy to glaze over the subtle flavor hints if you decide to lean into your glass. Final thoughts? Well this beer is definitely interesting, and the banana flavor is something you have to work towards (this is not sugar sweet banana bread with alcohol present). I would give this beer a B+ rating, although it is not the stout to change all stouts, the clever masking of both the banana flavor and the alcohol provides for a unique experience (be careful, you may wind up drinking too much!). Finally this beer is on the expensive side, and therefore constitutes as a “once in a while” brew. However, if you are looking to try something new during the cold winter months check out the Banana Split Stout. 

Questions comments or concerns? Have a brew or style of brew you want to learn more about? Want to write a review of your own? Email me at joshid@mytjnow.com and maybe we can grab a pint. And remember folks, enjoying any alcoholic beverage means enjoying responsibly, so keep it classy folks. Until next time, cheers!